Adiponectin
Norm
Women (< 25 BMI) 5–37 ug/ml
(25–30 BMI) 5–28 ug/ml
(> 30 BMI) 4–22 ug/ml
Men (< 25 BMI) 4–26 ug/ml
(25–30 BMI) 4–20 ug/ml
(> 30 BMI) 2–20 ug/ml
Synonyms: FADIP
Serum
Red cap, not to be used with a gel
Adiponectin – a protein that affects vascular wall regeneration, lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and some other functions. This indicator is important in investigating type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome. Adiponectin is a protein similar to collagen, produced by adipose tissue, but physiologically it is a “good” protein. There is a relatively large amount of it in the blood – about 0.01% of all plasma proteins. Several properties of adiponectin reveal its special role in lipid and insulin metabolism and vascular regeneration:
The more obese a person is, the less adiponectin in their blood. This fact not only describes the role of adiponectin in lipid metabolism. It is also important because when evaluating the “normal” level of adiponectin in the blood and its changes over time, it is necessary to take into account the body mass index (BMI).
When the blood vessel wall is damaged (e.g., during stenting), a large amount of adiponectin accumulates at the site of injury over a few days (it is believed that adiponectin is necessary for proper vascular healing, i.e., “healing without atheroma”).
Research has shown that adiponectin inhibits the development of atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hypertension. The anti-inflammatory effect of adiponectin and its effect on tumors are partially proven.
If the level of adiponectin decreases in type 2 diabetes, the risk of coronary heart disease significantly increases.
A decrease in adiponectin level complicates the course of coronary heart disease, even in the absence of obesity symptoms (with a normal BMI).
It is believed that the tendency of obese individuals to develop atherosclerosis and the risk of coronary heart disease are specifically related to a decrease in adiponectin concentration (decreased adiponectin level = increased BMI).
A decrease in adiponectin in the blood leads to increased insulin resistance. To achieve better glycemic control, more insulin has to be administered.
Moderate alcohol consumption has a positive effect on adiponectin (increases its concentration) and slightly inhibits the development of atherosclerosis.
When choosing cholesterol-lowering drugs (e.g., statins), it is recommended to periodically monitor the concentration of adiponectin. An increase in it is a sign of well-managed treatment.
Source | Handbook of Basic Laboratory Tests | Doctor of Medical Sciences Gintaras Zaleskis